RESPONSE DISCUSSION 2
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RESPONSE2todayDNP.docxTHE MAIN DISCUSSION TOPIC:
Quantitative and Qualitative Research in Clinical Settings
Some people consider the difference between the terms “quantitative” and “qualitative” to be similar to the difference between facts and feelings. These individuals might argue that quantitative approaches are better or more appropriate than qualitative approaches, particularly in health care. They might support this argument by saying that quantitative approaches are based on numbers and concrete evidence rather than on subjective observations and opinions.
Based on the information presented in this week’s Learning Resources and Media, do you think this an accurate way of distinguishing quantitative and qualitative methods of research? Is one method inherently superior to the other? How would you describe the difference between quantitative and qualitative research to someone who was completely unfamiliar with these concepts?
This Discussion explores the characteristics of quantitative and qualitative research methods as well as the application of each in the practice setting. You examine the suitability of each method to evidence-based practice. You are encouraged to make connections between general characteristics and abstract research concepts to realistic scenarios and actual experiences in your responses to this week’s Discussion prompts.
Review Dr. Shi’s comparison of the characteristics of quantitative and qualitative research presented in this week’s media presentation and in the “Overview of Qualitative Research Methods” tutorial.
Reflect on the Learning Resources focusing on the use of quantitative and qualitative research in health care.
With the two articles you reviewed in mind (one quantitative and one qualitative), think about how those types of research projects influence, or support, evidence-based nursing practice. Ask yourself: Which methodology is most appropriate for supporting evidence-based practice? What characteristics of that methodology support my conclusion?
Respond to two of your colleagues in your small group in one or more of the following ways:
Discussion
Quantitative and Qualitative Research in Clinical Settings - Initial Post
Analyze how quantitative and qualitative research projects can be applied to evidence-based nursing practice.
On the other hand, qualitative research uses words, descriptions, stories with more focus on depth (Leiyu. S., personal interview, Laureate Education, Inc., 2011). Qualitative research is less structured and allows less generalization. It can be implemented when studying unique lived experiences, cultural characteristics, social processes, and historical events (Gray, Grove, & Sutherland, 2017, p. 65). In many cases, the qualitative studies cannot be reproduced prove objectivity, but it provides the richness of experiences. For example, Watts et al. (2009) performed detailed case analysis through formative evaluation of the Chronic Care Model (CCM) and interviews to map the nurse practitioners’ characteristics to the six elements of the CCM. They concluded that NPs play a vital role in three CCM elements: self-management, decision support, and delivery system design. Overall, a detailed description of the nurse practitioner’s role in the CCM implementation provides data about the nature of this role and its characteristics.
What characteristics of quantitative or qualitative research make it the most appropriate for addressing evidence-based practice problems? Support your position.
The quantitative studies generate objective data that can be generalized to different settings and implemented to practice. The evidence-based evidence hierarchy favors objective data gathered in randomized controlled studies because it provides the strongest level of evidence. However, not all data can be gathered through controlled trials. For example, experiences of people who lost family members due to the COVID pandemic are best described with qualitative phenomenological studies. However, the incidence and prevalence of worsening insomnia, anxiety, depression during the COVID pandemic should be analyzed through quantitative statistics.
References:
Fletcher, A., Cooper, J. R., Helms, P., Northington, L., & Winters, K. (2009). Stemming the tide of childhood obesity in an underserved urban African American population: A pilot study. ABNF Journal, 20(2), 44-48.
Gray, J.R., Grove, S.K., & Sutherland, S. (2017). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (8th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2011). Research methods for evidence-based practice: Introduction to research and analysis. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Watts, S., Gee, J., O'Day, M., Schaub, K., Lawrence, R., Aron, D., & Kirsh, S. (2009). Program evaluation. Nurse practitioner-led multidisciplinary teams to improve chronic illness care: The unique strengths of nurse practitioners applied to shared medical appointments/group visits. Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, 21(3), 167-172.
RESPONSE TO ANSWER FROM THE DISCUSSION ABOVE
Ask a probing question, substantiated with additional background information, evidence, or research.
Share an insight from having read your colleagues’ postings, synthesizing the information to provide new perspectives.
Offer and support an alternative perspective using readings from the classroom or from your own research in the Walden Library.
Validate an idea with your own experience and additional research.
Make a suggestion based on additional evidence drawn from readings or after synthesizing multiple postings.
Expand on your colleagues’ postings by providing additional insights or contrasting perspectives based on readings and evidence.
